SCU AND TCICC STRENGTHEN HOSPITALITY IN THE CARIBBEAN – Using industry knowledge to train and develop
The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) continues to strengthen its reach and impact in the Caribbean and, in doing so, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC). This twoyear agreement will assist the TCICC in strengthening its Hospitality and Tourism programme to build local capacity and develop leadership in the industry from within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The MoU signing is the second of its kind for the SCU in the region, following a recent agreement with the UWI Global Campus. Held at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the ceremony was attended by the Premier of Turks and Caicos, the Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management, the Hon. Josephine Connolly, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, President/CEO of TCICC, Dr. Candice Williams along with other dignitaries and leaders from both SCU and TCICC.
In his keynote address, Honourable Misick articulated the vision behind the partnership between the two entities. “The partnership between Sandals Corporate University and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College was conceived with the vision of strengthening the local workforce. In under four months, we’ve made remarkable progress. By elevating educational standards and creating job opportunities, we’re not just enhancing the Human Development Index (HDI) for the Turks and Caicos; we’re building a more efficient economy.
“As we embark on this partnership with Sandals Corporate University, we recognise its transformative potential for our students and our country. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise, we will enhance the quality of education and training and create pathways for our students to excel in their careers and become leaders in the industry,” noted Dr. Candice Williams.
In his remarks, Mr. Stewart affirmed the significant role of Sandals Corporate University (SCU) in the region, encouraging team members to embrace it as a catalyst for personal growth and self-improvement. He also commended the partnership with SCU and TCICC, noting “SCU’s commitment to providing internships annually is just a fraction of the exciting opportunities available through this collaboration.”
Honourable Taylor praised the partnership, adding that it represents “a visionary initiative aimed at harnessing our collective strengths to bolster a sector that is vital to our economy. As we formalise this agreement today, we are planting seeds for a future that holds unparalleled opportunities for our students, educators, and the hospitality industry at large.”
The SCU will also work with the TCICC to identify subject matter experts from Sandals and Beaches Resorts who will be willing to give guest lectures, provide input into the curriculum being developed for the TCICC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management programmes and provide opportunities to promote enrolment of Sandals and Beaches team members in relevant programmes offered at the TCICC.
Additionally, the SCU will endeavour to facilitate the placement of up to 100 interns from TCICC within Sandals and Beaches Resorts per year for work experience and a formal Internship programme for students at various levels. Lastly, the SCU will, where possible, provide the opportunity for TCICC students’ international certifications through their partnerships with accrediting bodies in all aspects of hospitality management and technical related areas
